How Congress Evolves
Mr. Polsby talked about his book, How Congress Evolves: Social Bases of Institutional Change, published by Oxford University Press. In the…
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How Congress Evolves
Mr. Polsby talked about his book, How Congress Evolves: Social Bases of Institutional Change, published by Oxford University Press. In the book, the author examines the transitions that the U.S. House of Representatives has undergone from the New Deal era to the present day. Perhaps the most important aspect of that evolution, Mr. Polsby argues, is the early deadlock between the Democratic majority and what was known as the Conservative Coalition, comprised of Republicans and Dixiecrats. The book, which is narrated from the perspective of the Democratic majority at the time, discusses the power of committees and caucuses and the politicking behind both within the House over the past 75 years. After his presentation Mr. Polsby answered questions from members of the audience. close